Feb 23

Feb 23 Kenneth Earl Piper is in custody

2/23/2021 at 4:31 PM

UPDATE: Maj. Ryan Dawson of Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed Kenneth Earl Piper is in custody.

After an intensive search, Kenneth Earl Piper is in custody. Piper was found inside the search perimeter this afternoon and arrested by deputies.

We are grateful for the assistance from Kinston Police Department, Greenville Police Department, Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, NCSBI, NCALE, NCSHP and the ATF during this search.

Published 2/23/2021 at 10:34 AM

The search continues for Kenneth Earl Piper, the subject of a multiple county manhunt currently taking place in Lenoir County. Piper is said to be a white male, 29 years old, 6 feet tall, 160 pounds with brown dreadlocks and tattoos on his face above his eyebrows. He has active felony warrants for possession with intent to sell, manufacture, deliver methamphetamine, possession of LSD, and resisting arrest in addition to the charges pending from the manhunt.

At approximately 8:14 am there was a siting of the suspect crossing Banks School Road and was last seen in the patch of woods by the feed mills near the bypass.

Vicki Kennedy, Public Relations for Arendell Parrott Academy said, “Parents and staff of Arendell Parrott Academy were notified electronically early of a 2-hour delay due to the Lenoir County manhunt. They will be open at 10:10 with a Lenoir County representative on campus all day.”

Banks Elementary School and Bethel Christian Academy modified their schedules due to the manhunt.

“Not a lockdown, but a modified schedule which essentially means no one goes outside and outside doors are locked. Movement in the building is unaffected. This action was taken at about 9:10 a.m. on the advice of the sheriff’s office. I believe Bethel Academy got the same notice,” said Lenoir County Public Schools Patrick Holmes.

At this time, there is no information on whether the suspect is armed or dangerous.

“Kenneth Earl Piper is still being sought by multiple agencies. When a new update becomes available, LCSO Maj. Ryan Dawson will release it to the media,” said Lenoir County Information Officer Bryan Hanks.